The MTV Video Music awards have always been more than a night of trophies. They are theatre, spectacle and, most importantly, a global fashion stage. Below, Aimee Yan round up ten of the most unforgettable looks from the 2025 VMAs

In 2025, the red carpet and performances proved once again that music and style move in tandem, each amplifying the other. From archival treasures to futuristic experiments, here are ten moments that defined the evening’s visual story.

Lady Gaga: Marc Jacobs black pleated gown

She arrived in a sculptural Marc Jacobs gown, its pleats folding like shadows across matte black fabric. A jet-black floral headpiece, bleached brows and a smoke-dark gaze turned her into a gothic apparition, and made the look distinctly Gaga, avant-garde yet deeply theatrical. When she later performed “Abracadabra” and her new single “Dead Dance,” the black romanticism of the gown became an extension of the performance itself. Gaga also walked away with Artist of the Year, bringing her career total to 21 VMAs—a record-breaking triumph!

Rosé: Oscar de la Renta fringe sequins + Tiffany & Co. jewels

Rosé, the Blackpink star shone in Oscar de la Renta’s gold sequin fringe gown, every step setting its tassels alight. Tiffany & Co.’s “Bird On A Rock” jewels echoed the play of colour, perched delicately against her platinum hair. Minimal styling let the dress breathe. And when she became the first K-pop artist to win Song of the Year for “APT.,” the gilded silhouette was the perfect metaphor: a historic moment encased in gold.

Tyla: Chanel Spring/Summer 1993 tweed dress

Archival Chanel can sometimes overwhelm young stars. Not Tyla. In Karl Lagerfeld’s beige tweed suit from 1993, she looked effortless, letting the sharp crop of the skirt and chain-trimmed skirt do the talking. Gold accents on her jewellery and a pared-back beauty look brought freshness to the retro silhouette. Ankle bracelets are also a new trend to add on details to your look, just like Tyla. Accepting her Best Afrobeats award, Tyla managed what few newcomers can: she turned history into modernity, wearing Chanel as if it were made yesterday.

Tate McRae: Ludovic de Saint Sernin sheer white dress

Tate McRae opted for a white sheer gown by Ludovic de Saint Sernin, its lightweight fabric and luminous finish creating an ethereal impression. Knot-tied straps added subtle structure, while tonal underwear and white stilettos maintained a cohesive minimalism. With clean, natural make-up, she embodied youth and modern elegance. Accepting Best Summer Song for Just Keep Watching (from the F1 soundtrack), her delicate red carpet presence stood in striking contrast to the fiery power she unleashed on stage.

Ice Spice: Ralph Lauren croset and patchwork mermaid set

No one else could have worn this. Ice Spice turned up in a Ralph Lauren gown stitched from butter-yellow corsetry and denim patchwork, a collision of corset glamour and American street. The mermaid hem had weight, but her candy-pink hair gave it levity, twisting the look into something cheeky, irreverent, unmistakably hers. Call it hip-hop prairie, call it postmodern Americana, whatever the label, it was Ice Spice rewriting the codes.

Ariana Grande: Fendi couture polka-dot dress

Ariana Grande channelled whimsical elegance in a custom Fendi gown, its white-and-pink polka dots softened by a cinched waist and layered skirt. A ponytail, her signature, and Swarovski jewels completed the look, marrying sweetness with precision. It was playful yet polished, perfectly attuned to Ariana’s own duality.

Sabrina Carpenter: Maison Valentino red lace gown

Valentino draped Sabrina Carpenter in sheer red lace, its floral motifs glowing under camera flashes. A blush-pink feather stole slipped over her shoulders, softening the drama with a dash of sweetness. Retro waves in her hair completed the transformation. When she accepted Album of the Year for “Short n’ Sweet,” she didn’t just look like a pop star. She looked like she belonged on a vintage poster.

Doja Cat: Balmain pre-fall 2024 diamond pattern dress

Doja Cat never does obvious. Her Balmain blue-yellow diamond patteren dress, body-conscious and playful, skimmed every curve but resisted cliché. The twist came in the styling: razor-sharp red lips, slick hair, jewels from Chopard, the Haute Joaillerie Collection. On stage with Lisa and Raye for “Born Again,” a performance that earned Best K-Pop, the look was less costume, more punctuation mark.

Katseye: Dolce & Gabbana black-and-silver stagewear

The rookie girl group stormed the stage in coordinated Dolce & Gabbana looks, metallic blacks and silvers gleaming under strobes. Smoky eyes and slick choreography made the styling feel almost armour-like: strength, cohesion, ambition. Winning Best Push Performance with “Gnarly” and “Gabriela.”

Ciara: Schiaparelli spring/summer 2025 red coat-dress

Ciara made a commanding appearance in a coat-dress from Schiaparelli’s spring/summer 2025 collection. Featuring deconstructed tailoring and a statement central zip, the piece exuded architectural strength. Silver jewellery and sleek heels kept the look balanced, while the vibrant red resonated with Ciara’s signature confidence. It was bold, assured, and entirely unforgettable.

Also see: 12 unforgettable stage looks from Blackpink’s Deadline world tour